Rain shortens Nitro Jam season finale to one day

In the IHRA Nitro Jam season finale, 19-year-old Kyle Hough took the championship trophy in Nostalgia Fuel Altered. His accomplishment was all the more impressive when you consider that his championship trophy was his first award of the year. Hough visited seven finals in 2012, but finished runner-up in each one. However, on Aug. 11th it was consistency over flash as Hough was able to add to the long legacy of the Hough name and the legend of the “Nanook” Fuel Altered. (Larry Crum/IHRA photo)

Just moments after drying the track Friday for the start of the IHRA CarSafe Northern Nitro Jam at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich., the skies opened up for a second time during a hurricane-like storm that swirled between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron with the track caught in the middle. With Friday’s action washed out, the championships for all of the Nitro Jam professional classes will come down to two passes Saturday night. See the results in our Race Coverage. [8/13/2012]

Even hurt, Burk manages a Blast

Writing from the comfort of his Burkalounger at home, DRO editor Jeff Burk has worked through the pain to bring us a new Burk’s Blast. If you don’t think he makes any sense, at least this time we can blame it on the pain medication. [8/13/2012]

Reid takes TOPMA win at Texas Raceway

Twelve teams showed up to battle it out at the Texas OutLaw Pro Mod Finals on the Texas Raceway eighth mile and the top two qualifiers met in the finals. Gaylen Smith qualified on top with a 3.901 at 179 mph followed by Randell Reid (shown) with a 3.950 at 182 mph.

Smith, who had be plagued with transmission problems all evening, was beaten off the line by Reid (.077 RT to Smith’s .171) and struggled through with a 4.883 at just 99 mph to Reid’s winning 4.012 at 155.

This race was bittersweet for Bob Alexander as it was his first race to qualify, but it ended in the first round after tagging the wall. Bob was okay after the incident but the car may need a nose job.

Hagan gets boat racing license on his weekend off

The Marble Falls (Texas) Chamber of Commerce hosted the 21st edition of Lakefest featuring the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series in competition on the liquid quarter mile. The three days of competition kicked off Friday, Aug. 10, with an open test session for both the Pro and Sportsman classes.

Those in attendance were treated to a big surprise as defending NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan was trying for his competition license for the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Series. After two successful passes in Randy Benson’s Pro Modified, “Texas Bounty Hunter H20”, Hagan was awarded his credentials card to compete, but didn’t race at the event. See the results in our Race Coverage. (photo by J.M. Hallas) [8/13/2012]